Spools and deploying SMBs

[BlueDevil]

I have been using a reel for deploying my SMB for quite a while but recently bought a spool. I just wanted to check on a few things in case I have any misconceptions:

- firstly I presume the role of the double-ender is simply to lock off the line, by clipping it to the spool and then onto the line?

- secondly what do you do with the double-ender when deploying? I first presumed that it would have to be completely removed and say clipped onto a D-ring while you deploy. But this is fiddly and runs the risk of dropping the double-ender. So my next thought was to unclip the double ender from the side of the spool but leave it attached to the line. In effect I presume the line would simply run through the clip unencumbered and the clip can't be lost because it is still attached to the line.

- any other advice is welcome - the use of the SMB itself is no problem, just how to handle the spool

Sorry if these questions seem a bit basic but none of the people I am diving with at present are using this sort of thing so i am hoping you guys can sort me out. I am hoping to get some practice in before going away on a trip in a couple of weeks.

Thanks heaps!

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The double ender works as you suspect - to attach the spool and to lock the line in place when you tie off.

I clip mine to a shoulder D-ring.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I too clip it off to a D-ring when using both hands to deploy. I have dropped my double ender once so now I clip it off right away.

 

[BlueDevil]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have just been doing some searching and found some other threads on this topic which has helped clear things up a bit. One thing I was doing wrong was clipping one end the double-ender to the spool and clipping the line through the other end - this wasn't all that good. So now I know to clip the spool and line into the one clip of the double-ender - I guess the other end then is just used to clip the spool onto a d-ring etc.?

The issue of what to do with the double ender when deploying still bothers me a bit. I gave it a try the other day and in cold water with thick gloves I was concerned I would drop the double-ender before getting it clipped to a ring. However it sounds like most people are doing it this way. Has anyone tried what I suggested of leaving the double ender clipped onto the line whilst deploying?

I have also been attaching my line to the SMB by having a clip on the end of the line. The idea I have now seen of just having a large loop in the end of the line and passing the spool through it seems to have a couple of advantages - it forms a very positive attachment that can't come off unless the line broke (unlikely), and when travelling it is one less clip to take with you so a little less weight in the luggage. Are there any down sides to doing it this way?

 

[peterbj7]

May I ask why you're making life complicated for yourself? I use a small enclosed ratchet-locked reel (made by AP Valves) that I leave attached permanently to my SMB. Very quick and reliable to deploy, very neat and compact during the dive. I've used this exact combination for 6 years (several thousand dives) and never had any problems at all, whether in warm water or cold (when I'm also wearing gloves).

I have open reels such as you describe, and they're great for certain applications. Sending up an SMB isn't one of them. Apart from anything else, they usually just have a friction lock that slips if it's loaded, and I like to make myself negative against the SMB as that makes maintaining a constant depth so much easier.

 

[ucfdiver]

May I ask why you're making life complicated for yourself? I use a small enclosed ratchet-locked reel (made by AP Valves) that I leave attached permanently to my SMB. Very quick and reliable to deploy, very neat and compact during the dive. I've used this exact combination for 6 years (several thousand dives) and never had any problems at all, whether in warm water or cold (when I'm also wearing gloves).

I have open reels such as you describe, and they're great for certain applications. Sending up an SMB isn't one of them. Apart from anything else, they usually just have a friction lock that slips if it's loaded, and I like to make myself negative against the SMB as that makes maintaining a constant depth so much easier.

Remember, some divers like to keep things simple, and avoid "new" things like ratcheting reels that have an increased chance of failure (however small that chance might be), when normal spools have worked fine for so many years.

 

[BKP]

This 'spreel' is becoming popular among quite a few on this board. I have one, and it works like it was perfectly designed for smb deployment.

It has a large loop on the end for just passing the spool through, as you mentioned above. No double-ender needed... Simple drag knob. Haven't been able to bird-nest it (and I've tried). Uses the 'KISS' philosophy (Keep It Simple Stupid).

General Purpose Safety Reel - Small - Product Detail

Here it is in action:

YouTube - Shooting an open bag

Mike Edmonston (member of this board) is a distributor in the states, if you're interested.

 

[peterbj7]

Ratcheting reels were almost universally used in England when I started diving decades ago. I've never heard of one given even the most basic of care failing. The OP even said that he is accustomed to using a reel with an SMB, though he didn't say what he meant by that. I think my question still stands.

 

[BlueDevil]

Thanks for the feedback guys. While I have been quite happy using a normal small reel for my SMB I am wanting a lightweight and compact alternative for travelling. So I bought a spool and I am guessing you couldn't get any more lightweight than that. Also while I have had no problems with my reel jamming I recognise that it is a possibility, and from that perspective I figure the spool provides added safety. I am sure with a bit of practice with the spool I will soon be able to get the hang of it. My understanding of how to use it has certainly increased considerably in the last few hours.

I really like the look of the "General Purpose Safety Reel - Small"
I will keep this one in mind for the future, but right now I will stick to the spool I have already bought because I have spent quite a bit on gear lately! Next time I have scored enough brownie points with the wife to spend up on dive gear I will look into this option.

 

[gorcio]

Also while I have had no problems with my reel jamming I recognise that it is a possibility, and from that perspective I figure the spool provides added safety.

Actually I did have a problem with reel jamming (unspooling to quickly producing a loop that would catch the reel handle). No problems at all since switched to spool, using reel for wrecks and maybe caves in the future.
When it comes to double ender - when I have my thick gloves I prefer leaving it on the rope, as it allows me to block the spool quickly. In normal gloves or no gloves - I clip it on my left shoulder Dring